THOMAS POLLOCK, deceased, and a late resident of Buckeye Township, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, May 6, 1815, and departed this life June 17, 1884. He was regarded as a praiseworthy and reliable citizen, and leaves behind him a good record, of which his descendants have no reason to be ashamed. He was a farmer by occupation and built up a good homestead, providing amply for his family. Politically he voted the Democratic ticket and was a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. The history of his family is in its main points as follows:

Our subject was the son of David Pollock, who was born in Monongahela County, Pa., in 1779, and removed with his parents when quite young to the Northwestern Territory. They settled in the locality now included in Scioto County, Ohio, when the country was new and uncultivated, and endured in common with other adventurous pioneers the hardships and privations peculiar to those days. Amid these wild scenes the father of our subject grew to manhood and was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Mustard, who was born in 1786. After their marriage the young people located on a farm near Portsmouth, Ohio, which remained their home until they passed from earth.

Thomas Pollock was reared on the farm in his native county, and made his first visit to Illinois in 1840. He did not locate at that time, but returning to Ohio provided himself with a wife and helpmeet, namely, Miss Angemima Wilson, who became his wife in the spring of 1841. The following year, accompanied by his wife, Mr. Pollock started for Illinois, via the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Galena, from which he was transported by team to the vicinity of his present farm. Upon the land which he soon afterward secured possession of there stood a rude log cabin, and a few acres had been prepared for cultivation. A small stream wound its way through a part of the land, by which means the owner of the claim had operated a small water-power which kept a trip-hammer in motion to scare away the wolves. Soon after securing possession of this claim Mr. Pollock entered it at the land-office at Dixon, securing his title to the property and occupying it until his death, which occurred June 17, 1884. The industry of years had been fruitful of good results, which are now indicated in the general improvements and the condition of the soil. Mr. Pollock met with reverses at times, and on the 12th of May, 1873, his dwelling and barns were destroyed by fire. He spent no time, however, in bewailing his misfortune, but at once set to work to rebuild, and the present dwelling with its appurtenances is a silent but forcible witness of his energy and perseverance.

Mr. Pollock was twice married. His first wife, who became the mother of five children, departed this life at the homestead in the spring of 1854. Their eldest daughter, Mary A., is now the wife of Charles Musser, a prosperous farmer of Oneco Township; Samuel R. is a resident of Orangeville, and Calvin W. died in 1875. His second marriage occurred Feb. 24, 1860, with Miss Elizabeth Van Matre, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, Dec. 7, 1835. A brief history of her parents, Morgan and Elizabeth (Ross) Van Matre, is given in the sketch of their son William, which will be found elsewhere in this volume. Of this union there were born seven children: Nettie A. is the wife of Frank Fair, a farmer of Winslow Township; James B. has the management of the homestead; and Luella, with her husband, Wilson J. Young, also lives there; William is farming in Seward County, Neb.; Quincy E., George and Flora B. remain with their mother. Mrs. Pollock is still living on the old home place, and for many years has been connected with the Presbyterian Church.

The homestead which Mr. Pollock established, and which remains as a priceless legacy to the family, is being kept up in the old-time thrifty fashion, and we place it among other pictured homes built up by those brave spirits who first subdued the soil and smoothed the way for their posterity to follow.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888